Wheeler AAF: an afternoon with the Army at Hawaii

Wheeler Army Air Field is located at the premises of Shofield Barracks in central Oahu. At Wheeler AAF we can find different units. There is a regular Army unit, the Hawaii Army National Guard and an OSACOM unit with a single C-12 in the inventory to transport high ranked commanders and state officials.

We were welcomed by the commander of the 1-25AVN division. The division was formed on 1st October 1941. Only 2 months after the unit was formed the airfield was attacked by the Japanese invasion. During the years the units were actively involved in major conflicts in the world as for example the Korean conflict and the liberation of the Philippine Islands. Because of its location there are ample of training opportunities on Oahu itself or the surrounding islands. During our visit most of the unit's helicopters were in California for preparations for an upcoming deployment. They were shipped the 2500+ miles (over 4000 km) and would be brought back by boat as well after the work ups.

The Aviation Brigade consists of a Cavalry squadron (two air troops and on ground troop), an Attack battalion (three OH-58D attack companies), and Assault battalion (two UH-60L assault companies, one UH-60L command aviation company, and one CH-47 medium lift company) as well as a Medevac company which flies with UH-60As.

Next to this there is also a Hawaii Army National Guard unit stationed at Wheeler AAF. The unit (193Avn Medium Lift C Company) flies with CH-47 Chinooks.

We would like to thank the personal at Wheeler AAF for their time and patience while showing us around.